INSTITUTIONS OFFERING WATER ENGINEERING LISTED AT THE BOTTOM
WHAT IS WATER ENGINEERING AND WHO IS A WATER ENGINEER?
Water engineering deals with how water interacts with natural and man-made environments. It is concerned with the way the natural sources of water such as rivers, streams and lakes behave as well as designing and building systems to store and supply people with water. A water engineer is someone who is skilled in water engineering. These engineers are concerned with providing people with clean and safe water, disposal of wastewater and sewage and the prevention of flood damage by designing and building drainage systems. Wastewater is water after it has been used in a variety of ways such as washing, flushing toilets and so on.
WHERE DO WATER ENGINEERS WORK?
The water engineers work at water and sewerage companies such as Lusaka or Mulonga water and sewerage companies. They can also work for private well drilling companies and dam construction companies. Examples of well drilling companies include Baba drilling and Exploration Company and SSB drilling and exploration Ltd. In addition, water engineers are employed by irrigation equipment dealers or on large commercial farms to design and build irrigation systems.
WHAT TASKS ARE INVOLVED IN THE WORK?
Tasks involved in the job of a water engineer vary depending on where they work. At water and sewerage companies they plan and manage the works at the water and sanitation unit of these companies. They analyse and advise on the planning, design, construction and maintenance of water supply systems including developing the source (e.g. a river), treatment of the water, storage and distribution of that water. They also analyse and advise on the planning, design, construction of wastewater/sewerage systems, including collection, treatment and discharge of the wastewater.
WHAT IS THE WORK SCHEDULE OF A WATER ENGINEER?
The work schedule of a water engineer depends on where they work. In a private well drilling company the work schedule can follow the normal schedule of 08:00hrs – 17:00hrs from Monday to Friday. On the other hand, in water and sewerage companies, they may be required to work in day or night shifts to manage the operations at water treatment plants which are open 24/7 .
WHAT DOES THE JOB MARKET LOOK LIKE?
Holding a higher qualification such as a degree or a master’s in this field puts your at a better chance of getting employed. This is because there is only a limited number of positions for water engineers in the companies that employ them (sometimes only one). The job market is therefore quite competitive. Its possible to work part time in some of the companies already discussed and especially on farms which may not require a full time water engineer but only periodically when the need to maintain or repair their irrigation systems arises. Water engineers can also go into entrepreneurship and establish their own companies which service the plumbing and sewerage needs of households, schools, offices and other building complexes.
WHAT SORT OF CAREER-PERSONALITY MATCH IS REQUIRED?
To enjoy studying water engineering you must have an interest in mathematics and physics. A background in technical drawing or geometrical and mechanical drawing is an added advantage.
INSTITUTIONS OFFERING WATER ENGINEERING LISTED AT THE BOTTOM
WHAT SUBJECTS WILL THE PROGRAM COVER?
Some of the courses in this program include mathematics, chemistry, water supply technology, mechanical workshop technology, engineering materials, hydrology, mechanical plant, soil mechanics, waste water technology, plumbing and pipe fitting, water chemistry, soil and water conservation, hydrogeology, irrigation and drainage. For some courses, the student may choose to take them or not.
WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?
The entry requirements to water engineering diploma are generally five ‘O’ level credits or better inclusive of Mathematics, English, and Science.
WHAT OTHER PROGRAMS OF STUDY CAN MAKE SOMEONE A WATER ENGINEER?
Water engineering is a subset of civil engineering, therefore a civil engineer can work in the capacity of a water engineer. A civil engineer may decide to specialise in water engineering by pursuing a master’s in water resources engineering and management. But even without the master’s, civil engineers can do most of the work of a water engineer.
WHAT ARE THE FUTURE ADVANCED QUALIFICATIONS AVAILABLE AND WHY?
A diploma holder in water engineering may decide to upgrade to a degree in water resources management or a degree in civil engineering. The degree holder may advance their qualifications by pursuing the master’s in water resources management and engineering. Advanced qualifications increase the job prospects and allow for someone to enter into the academic field and lecture at universities and colleges.
INSTITUTIONS THAT OFFER WATER ENGINEERING
NATURAL RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
Programme duration: 3 years (Diploma in Water Engineering)
Mode of study: Full-time, Part-time and Distance
Admitting school: School of Natural Resources
Intakes: June/July
Location: off great east road – Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +0211-282496
E-mail: info@nrdc.biz
Website: www.nrdc.biz/students.html
MULUNGUSHI UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 4 years (Degree in Water Resources Management)
Mode of study: Full-time and Distance
Admitting school: School of Agriculture and Natural sciences
Intakes: August
Location: Kabwe
Contacts
Tel: +260 215 228 004
E-mail: academic@mu.ac.zm
Website: mu.ac.zm
UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA
Programme duration: 2 years (Master’s in Water Resources Engineering)
Mode of study: By research
Admitting school: School of Engineering
Intakes: January
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +260 211 292792
E-mail: dean-eng@unza.zm
Website: www.unza.zm/academics/postgraduate-programmes/master-of-engineering-water-resources-management-and-water